Demographics of Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a small country in Central America with a rich mix of people from many backgrounds. As of 2024, it is home to about 5.3 million people. The largest group is made up of people of European descent, followed by those of mixed heritage, Afro-Costa Ricans, and indigenous groups. Many people also come from other countries, making the population even more diverse.

Afro-Costa Ricans and West Indians are descendants of black Jamaican workers who came in the 19th century. There are also smaller communities of people with Chinese, Lebanese, and other heritage. In recent years, many immigrants from nearby countries like Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua have come to Costa Rica, along with retirees from the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe.

Even though fewer babies are being born each year, the population keeps growing because of new people moving in and a relatively young age group in the country. Indigenous groups, including the Miskito and Garifuna, still live in coastal areas, adding to the country's cultural variety. Many Costa Ricans also live abroad, mostly in the United States, but the number is small compared to other countries in the region.

Population size and structure

In 2021, Costa Rica had a population of about 5.2 million people. The number of people is growing by about 1.5% each year. Most people, around 80%, live in cities, while about 20% live in the countryside.

The 2011 counting showed that most people, about 71%, were of White or Castizo background. Around 17% were Mestizo, which means they have both European and Native American roots. About 7% were of mixed Black and White background, and about 2% were Native American. A small group, about 1%, were of African-Caribbean background.

Vital statistics

(c) = Census results.

Current vital statistics

Life expectancy at birth

Source: UN World Population Prospects

Ethnic groups

Costa Rica has many different ethnic groups. Most people, about 71%, identify as European. Another 18% are Mestizo, which means they have mixed European and Indigenous backgrounds. About 7% have African roots, and 2% are Indigenous. A small number, around 1%, are African or Asian.

The country has a rich history of immigration. People from many places, including Spain, Americans, Germans, French, British, Italians, and Arabs, have settled in Costa Rica. These groups have added to the country's diverse culture.

European Costa Ricans

European Costa Ricans are people from Costa Rica whose ancestors came from Europe, especially Spain. Studies show that many Costa Ricans have European ancestry. The first Europeans to arrive were Cristopher Columbus and his crew in 1502. Later, many people from different European countries came to live in Costa Rica.

After the country gained independence, more people from Europe, along with Americans, Germans, French, and British, moved to Costa Rica. They brought their traditions and mixed with the local people. Smaller groups from Italy, Spain, and Arab countries also came, often escaping tough times in their homelands.

Languages

Main article: Languages of Costa Rica

Most people in Costa Rica speak Spanish, but many also know English. Some indigenous groups speak their own languages, like the Ngobes.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Costa Rica

Most people in Costa Rica are Roman Catholics, but many also follow other religions such as Protestantism and Evangelical beliefs. Some people do not follow any religion at all. There are also smaller groups like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Jehovah's Witnesses, as well as followers of other faiths including Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism.

The government allows people to choose their own religion, and everyone is treated equally no matter what they believe.

Migration

Costa Rica has a lot of people moving in and out of the country. About 2% of Costa Ricans live in another country, mostly in the United States, Spain, Mexico, and other Central American countries. In 2005, around 127,000 Costa Ricans lived outside their home country.

On the other hand, many people move to Costa Rica from other places. In 2011, over 385,000 people living in Costa Rica were born in another country. Most of them came from Nicaragua, with others from Colombia, the United States, Spain, and Panama. In 2010, about 489,000 migrants lived in Costa Rica, mainly from nearby countries.